Accessory Structures in Salinas, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Salinas, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
California law (Gov. Code §65852.2) requires cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. Salinas must comply with state standards for size, setbacks, and parking.
Salinas ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Salinas processes Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior ADU (JADU) applications ministerially under Salinas Municipal Code Chapter 37 (Zoning), specifically §37-50.250, and California Government Code §65852.2 / §65852.22. The Community Development Department - Current Planning Division reviews permits with the state-mandated 60-day decision deadline. State law guarantees a by-right detached ADU of at least 800 sq ft and 16 feet in height regardless of underlying zoning.
Salinas ADU Permits (SMC Chapter 37, §37-50.250)
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Under California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3) and SMC §37-50.250, Salinas ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from all city impact fees. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees proportional in size to fees charged for the primary dwelling. Standard building permit and plan-check fees still apply through the Community Development Department.
Salinas ADU Impact Fee Exemption (Gov. Code §65852.2(f))
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Salinas cannot impose owner-occupancy requirements on standard ADUs because California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6), made permanent by AB 976 (2023), preempts local owner-occupancy mandates. Junior ADUs (JADUs) created under Gov. Code §65852.22 still require owner occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the JADU, with a deed restriction recorded against title at permit issuance.
Salinas ADU Owner-Occupancy (Preempted by AB 976)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Salinas ADUs and JADUs may only be rented for terms of 30 days or more, per California Government Code §65852.2(a)(7). Short-term rental (under 30 days) of any ADU is prohibited under state law. Salinas does not currently operate a permissive citywide short-term rental licensing program for ADUs, and listings on Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com under 30 days are enforceable as code violations.
Salinas ADU 30-Day Minimum Rental Rule (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7))
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Salinas allows small sheds without permits (typically under 120 sq ft). Larger structures require building permits and must meet setback requirements.
Salinas Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
California law facilitates garage conversions to ADUs/JADUs. Salinas cannot require replacement parking for converted garages in many cases.
Salinas Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Salinas requires permits for carport construction. Setback requirements, height limits, and lot coverage maximums apply.
Salinas Carport Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Salinas regulates tiny homes differently based on whether they are on a permanent foundation or on wheels. Zoning and minimum square footage requirements apply.
Salinas Tiny Home & Small Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Salinas city rules.
Accessory Structures in Monterey County →